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Have you noticed how many of the people bicycling in your neighborhood have gray hair? It is good to know that leisure bike riding is back in vogue. The recent passion for speed and expensive machinery has peaked, and once again bicycle manufacturers are designing bicycles for the rest of us. Affordable and comfortable models that allow riders to sit upright are back.

Why should bicycling appeal to seniors? As people enter their 60s and 70s they have two choices; they can embrace a healthy active lifestyle or just let go. Bicycling is a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time. You will be pleased to know that you don’t have to train for a marathon in order to reap the benefits.

Bicycling is a great way to exercise: it improves leg strength, balance, fitness and endurance. It is one exercise where age is never an issue. There are bicycles, tricycles, and hand cycles that can be adapted to meet special needs. There is a bicycle out there for you.

Are you nervous about getting started? Of course you are, but if you proceed with caution you will be fine. Riding a bicycle never changes; start with a three wheeler or use training wheels if you must, the principle is the same. Practice the basics (starting, stopping, shifting gears, and turning) in a parking lot where there is plenty of space and little traffic. Practice until you can control your speed, even on a downhill grade, before you take her out for a true spin.

Treat yourself to a new bike, but not just any bike. Go to a shop where they know what to do to keep you from getting a backache or hurting your knees. Special handlebars and braking systems can alleviate pressure on sore hands, and cushioned seats will make for a more comfortable ride.

Invite family and friends to join you. Age, fitness level or clothing size need not keep you from feeling like a kid again. Enjoy the freedom of being independently mobile while getting a good workout.

Summer is the time for family reunions. Reunions bring to mind picnic lunches, softball games, three legged races and all sorts of fun activities, but most of all it is an opportunity to connect with family.

It is good for families to do things together, but organizing a reunion will take more planning than putting together a backyard barbeque.

Ball games, swim meets, garden weddings and family picnics often take place during the hottest part of the day. It is important to keep in mind that babies and older adults do not tolerate direct sunlight and soaring temperatures.

Reserve a picnic area with a covered dining/cooking area, shade trees, and an unobstructed view of ball fields and playgrounds. Close proximity to restroom facilities is a must. It wouldn’t hurt to take turns, or assign someone, to accompany junior and senior family members to the facilities on a regular basis. This way they aren’t stuck sitting for hours waiting for that illusive 7th inning stretch.

Be thoughtful about helping older members of your party to the buffet table or offer to prepare plates of their favorite foods for them. Worry about losing seats, leaving purses unattended or balancing plates of goodies can be stressful for those in unfamiliar surroundings.

Medical emergencies are always a possibility when traveling/caring for seniors. Be aware of potential medical problems such as diabetes, chest pain, or anything that might be exacerbated by summer temperatures. Have a list of phone numbers for doctors, neighbors, and pharmacist as well as a list of medications they take in the event that you need to call 911.

Include elderly relatives whenever the family gathers. Keep them in the loop by spending time with them and engage them in meaningful conversations. Some you will only see once or twice a year and this is your opportunity to get to know these very interesting people.

Socialization is everything! Humans are social beings and they need friends in their lives if they want to age successfully, but does there come a time when “less is more”? A recent article suggested that “downsizing” as you get older should extend to paring down your list of “old friends.”

What is it that drives people to keep in touch with old friends? Should you continue to send birthday or Christmas letters to people who may or may not answer back, or should you just let them go?

The word friendship is different today and often it is more about numbers than about people you actually like. Are Facebook interactions enough, or do you need “real” friends more than ever? How many friends do you have? Movies and television sitcoms focus on groups of people who somehow remain “best friends forever,” but does that happen in real life? How many people do you actually remember from high school or college? How many next door neighbors have you kept in touch with as you move in and out of their lives? Are shared past memories enough of a reason to keep “casual” relationships alive?

I think it is. I think we all enjoy hearing from old friends from time to time. It may just be a letter tucked in with a Christmas card, but if it brightens your day it should be reason enough to keep the relationship alive.

That being said it is still in your best interest to build new relationships. Surround yourself with upbeat positive pals and avoid those who nag, gossip or complain. Make new friends. Be a do-gooder. Volunteer for something at least once a month. Join a club, follow your bliss, go back to school, or go out of your way to speak the person who always seems to be alone.

Be a friend. Make a difference. A new friend could be just around the corner.

I may be biased but I find that “pet people” are nicer (calmer, more relaxed, healthier and more approachable) than most other people I meet. Having a pet (someone who actually likes you) in your life is a natural “upper.”

Researchers are now encouraging doctors to write “pet prescriptions” for people who live alone. The small act of loving and caring for a pet can give new meaning to life. In return the owner is gifted with an antidote for isolation, loneliness, depression and anxiety.

You may be wondering how this works? Studies show that people who own pets take longer and more frequent walks; dogs are more reliable than fickle friends when it comes to exercise. Plus, walking a pet is a good way to meet people and reduce your own social anxieties and shyness. Most people will smile and stop to chat with neighbors out walking a cute dog or cat (yes, a lady in my neighborhood walks her cat).

Do you need a therapy dog or just someone to love? Consider your own needs first, but do think about tapping into the healing power of fur, fins and feathers.

A simple hug has the power to heal everything from a skinned knee to a broken heart (people enjoy these same benefits when they hug a pet).

What is the perfect pet for you? Small dogs, small birds and cats are the pets most often recommended for seniors. However, follow your heart and consider your lifestyle. Don’t forget there are many adoptable senior pets.

Don’t despair if you can’t have a pet of your own. You can enjoy the benefits of pet therapy by volunteering at a local animal shelter, or by offering to pet sit for friends.

Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, what could be better than that?